Mar 28, 2024  
2022-23 Catalog 
    
2022-23 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Support Services



Academic Advising

We offer advising to current and returning Bellevue College students who are earning Associate’s and professional/technical degrees and certificates. We aim to support you and your unique needs by helping you develop plans to achieve your educational, career, and life goals.

Our Academic Advisors can help you with the following services:

  • understand course requirements for the degree and certificate programs,
  • plan your path to program/degree completion,
  • successfully transfer to a four-year college or university,
  • understand the graduation process, 

Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/advising or call (425) 564-2212 to learn more about our advising services.

Academic Success Center

Located in D204, the Academic Success Center (ASC) provides free, high-quality tutoring and educational resources for all students enrolled at Bellevue College. The ASC offers drop-in tutoring, appointment tutoring, e-tutoring, academic support workshops, and class materials for lending. The ASC includes specialized labs for math and writing tutoring as well as reading instruction. For additional information, please call (425) 564-2200, email asc@bellevuecollege.edu, or visit bellevuecollege.edu/asc/.

The ASC tutoring options include:

·         Drop-In Tutoring available in most BC subjects, with days and times listed on our website

·         Tutoring Appointment available by request in popular subjects

·         eTutoring available in an online format through the eTutoring Western Consortium.

·         Individual Tutoring available for students receiving a C grade or below in their course or eligible DRC students (up to 2 hours per week)

Math Lab: drop-in tutoring for students currently enrolled in a BC math class.

Writing Lab: 35-minute one-on-one tutoring sessions for all BC students with any writing project, including class assignments, college applications, resumes, and personal statements.

Reading Lab (ENGL 80  /ENGL 180 ): A 1 or 2 credit lab course focused on vocabulary, reading speed, and comprehension, supporting students who find college reading challenging. Sections linked to many courses offered in the Arts & Humanities Division; however, students may register independently for credit. A limited number of individual referrals available. 

Workshops: Held throughout the quarter on topics related to study skills, reading, writing, and speaking. All students are welcome!

Counseling Center

The Bellevue College Counseling Center offers many free services:

For students:

  • Personal mental health counseling
  • Career counseling
  • Educational counseling
  • Group counseling
  • Support for students who are having trouble with grades 
  • Drop-in crisis counseling for students who are going through a difficult time or are at immediate risk of harming themselves or others
  • Human Development classes, including stress management, career exploration, motivation, assertive communication and other life and academic skills

 

For staff/faculty:

  • Consultations about student mental health
  • Workshops and class presentations

 

To schedule an appointment, call the Center by phone at 425-564-5747 or email counseling@bellevuecollege.edu. For more information, visit our website at bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is dedicated to service excellence in the provision of comprehensive classroom accommodations, working with students, instructors, staff, administration and community contacts to ensure the successful academic goals of qualified and documented Bellevue College students with disabilities.

The DRC works in innovative ways to provide teaching and learning opportunities to college staff, faculty members and community partners to remove barriers to access and help further the understanding, support and success of the students we serve. We contribute to the disability justice movement, centered in a social justice model of disability, and work to incorporate concepts of universal design into all aspects of the Bellevue College environment.

The DRC helps students develop the critical skills necessary to achieve success, promoting self-advocacy, and seeks to better integrate people with disabilities–through structural, curricular, and attitudinal changes — into the overall pluralistic fabric of the college and community.

Visit the DRC at B132, call (425) 564-2498, TTY 425.564.6189, Skype for ASL users ‘DRCatBC’ or check out our website at bellevuecollege.edu/drc/.

 

Early Learning Center

The BC Early Learning Center, located on campus, serves student families with children ages six weeks to six years old. The Early Learning Center offers affordable, high quality, family-centered early education childcare program. Student families who are income eligible may apply for enrollment in Head Start, an enhancement program for children three to five years old. For enrollment availability, tuition costs, and program information, please call (425) 564-2240.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance to individuals who have completed the financial aid process and are eligible for aid as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA). For more information regarding eligibility requirements visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/eligibility.  Sources of aid include federal, state, and institutional grants; loans; and work-study jobs.  Details are available at https://studentaid.gov  for FAFSA, https://wsac.wa.gov/WASFA  for WASFA, or visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/.

If you have completed the FAFSA or WAFSA and your family’s circumstances have changed dramatically in 2022 (e.g., loss of job, death, marital separation, etc.) ask Student Central about special conditions or review the 2022-23 Special Condition forms available at www.bellevuecollege.edu/fa/forms/

See Workforce Education for additional funding sources for which you may qualify.

Family Contribution & Family Need

The Financial Aid office uses the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which appears on the Student Aid Report (SAR) or processed FAFSA or WAFSA to calculate financial offers. The EFC is calculated using a federal methodology and is the amount students and/or families are expected to contribute towards their education for three quarters. The EFC is used in an equation to determine financial need as follows: the Cost of Attendance minus the EFC equals unmet need.

Notification of Aid Offer

When offered aid, students receive an Aid Offer Notification via BC e-mail which directs students to review the type and amount of aid offered for each quarter on the ctcLink student homepage. Students only need to notify the Financial Aid Office if they are not attending BC and are rejecting their aid or canceling a portion of their aid package. For types of aid available, please visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/apply/types

Students’ Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students applying for and/or receiving financial aid are required to make and maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course of study and complete their program within the credit limitations. See the Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines at bellevuecollege.edu/fa/youraid/sap/

Repayment

Repayment is when you have to pay back some or all of your financial aid.  If you receive a financial aid grant and/or loans, you must attend more than 60% of the quarter to earn all (100%) of your aid. If you stop attending or do not receive passing grades, we are required to determine how much financial aid you “earned” and return any “unearned” funds.  You are then required to pay us back.

If you have attended less than 60% of the quarter, you may owe a repayment to financial aid. This may include federal and state grants and your tuition costs.  If BC returns funds to federal or state agencies, these funds will come out of the money that was used to pay for your tuition. This means that you will need to repay BC the balance of tuition. Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/youraid/repayment/ for more information on the census dates, refunds and repayments.

Application Procedure

We process financial aid files based on the date you turned in the last required document. Your file is not considered complete and ready to process for a financial aid offer until you submit all required documents. If you complete your file, and during processing, you are asked to submit additional documentation, you do not lose your original file completion date as long as you turn in the documentation within two weeks.

Make sure you complete your file by the deadline of the quarter you plan to start taking classes. If you miss the deadline, plan to pay for your tuition, fees and books using your own funds. You may be reimbursed if you are later found to be eligible for aid. Visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/apply/deadlines for application deadlines.

Family Contribution & Family Need

The Financial Aid office uses the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which appears on the Student Aid Report (SAR) or processed FAFSA or WAFSA to calculate financial offers. The EFC is calculated using a federal methodology and is the amount students and/or families are expected to contribute towards their education for three quarters. The EFC is used in an equation to determine financial need as follows: the Cost of Attendance minus the EFC equals unmet need.

Notification of Aid Offer

When offered aid, students receive an Aid Offer Notification via BC e-mail which directs students to review the type and amount of aid offered for each quarter on the Financial Aid portal. Students only need to notify the Financial Aid Office if they are not attending BC and are rejecting their aid or canceling a portion of their aid package. For types of aid available, please visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/apply/types

Students’ Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students applying for and/or receiving financial aid are required to make and maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course of study and complete their program within the credit limitations. See the Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines at bellevuecollege.edu/fa/youraid/sap/

Repayment

Repayment is when you have to pay back some or all of your financial aid.  If you receive a financial aid grant and/or loans, you must attend more than 60% of the quarter to earn all (100%) of your aid. If you stop attending or do not receive passing grades, we are required to determine how much financial aid you “earned” and return any “unearned” funds.  You are then required to pay us back.

If you have attended less than 60% of the quarter, you may owe a repayment to financial aid. This may include federal and state grants and your tuition costs.  If BC returns funds to federal or state agencies, these funds will come out of the money that was used to pay for your tuition. This means that you will need to repay BC the balance of tuition. Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/fa/youraid/repayment/ for more information on the census dates, refunds and repayments.

Multicultural Services

The office of Multicultural Services (MCS) provides a variety of academic success and support services to BC students of color or those from marginalized populations. Our programs are OPEN to all students, LGBTQI, low-income, first-generation students, veterans, undocumented students, and students with disabilities. Our services are provided with a multicultural and equity-based lens. MCS program goals are to increase student success and student retention through culturally responsive programming and services. Additionally, MCS is a partner in promoting cultural competency and building an inclusive and vibrant campus community. We adhere to the values of equity and inclusion and support the Achieving the Dream and Academic Pathways initiatives. 

Support services include supplemental academic coaching and advising, assistance with identifying and applying for college funding: WAFSA, FAFSA, and Scholarships. We provide student advocacy, tutoring in math and science, professional mentoring, study sessions, cultural clubs/affinity group advising, community building activities and events, referrals to campus and community services, and opportunities for participation in conferences and leadership development. All of our activities are free of charge and support student success and student retention.  For more information visit our website at:

https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/mcs/

Or call us at (425) 564-2208    Email us at mcs@bellevuecollege.edu

 

Student Housing

Live and learn on-campus! The Bellevue College Residence Hall is home to up to 400 students in a mix of units and includes a variety of public areas for studying, meeting and socializing. The building is LEED Gold certified with many environmentally-friendly features like a rain garden, smart water systems, utility monitoring, permeable paving, and abundant natural lighting. Students living on-campus have the opportunity to live in suites or apartments, all of which have in-unit bathrooms and kitchens.  

Living on-campus offers a complete environment to serve students’ academic, personal, and social needs. Students who live on-campus are likely more engaged in campus activities, meet new people, get more out of the college experience and ultimately earn higher grades.

Amenities include:

  • 24/7 staffing, including Front Desk operations, mail service, information and equipment rental
  • Community spaces on each floor
  • Laundry facility
  • Workout room
  • Wi-fi access
  • Food services
  • Free cultural, academic and community programs and events
  • Student volunteer and job opportunities

Please visit bellevuecollege.edu/housing/ to learn more and apply today!

Student Programs

By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning, and cultural experiences, Student Programs is committed to building a pluralistic and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation, and student success. We empower our students to contribute to our community as better world citizens. Stop by C212 in the Student Union Building, call (425) 564-6150, or visit our webpage for more info 

The Student Programs Office coordinates the many Student Life and Co-Curricular Programs including:

  • Over 100 student organizations and programs Associated Student Government (ASG) and Office of Student Legislative Affairs
  • Leadership Institute
  • Student Volunteer Center
  • Campus Business Center
  • Campus Activities Board (CAB)
  • Affinity Groups: Black Student Union, El Centro Latino, LBGTQ Resource Center. Asian Pacific Island Student Association, Arabic Culture Student Association, International Student Association and the BC Association of Veterans
  • The Watchdog (student newspaper)
  • Student Programs Signature Campus Events
  • Student Handbook
  • Services and Activities Fee Budget Management
  • Student Environmental and Sustainability Programs

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to assist Bellevue College students in achieving their educational goals. TRIO provides extensive academic advising services, financial guidance, and personal support for students who are first-generation college students, low-income students, or students who have a documented disability. TRIO services include academic advising, comprehensive transfer planning and preparation, university visitations, financial aid guidance and scholarship application assistance, personal support and advocacy, free tutoring, instruction in effective study skills, a computer lab and study center, laptop computer lending, academic monitoring and intervention, academic achievement awards, workshops, and cultural activities. All services are designed to ensure student success at BC and beyond. Specific eligibility requirements apply. For more information call (425) 564-5745 or visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/trio

 

Veterans’ Program

Bellevue College’s Veterans Program is designed to assist military service members and their families with their journey through college, career and beyond. Whether you are active duty, a reserve member, or a veteran, we are here to help you and your family with assistance in pursuing your educational goals, accessing VA benefits, and much more. Visit bellevuecollege.edu/veterans/ for more information. 

Workforce Education

Workforce Education programs help people get the skills they need through Bellevue College’s professional-technical programs to enter or re-enter the workforce. Located in the Bellevue College Student Success Center, Room U-212

Funding Programs:

BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training) – for people receiving federal food assistance from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Services may include:

  • Tuition assistance, course-related fees, and required textbooks when pursuing approved programs of study.
  • Educational advising and planning, including developing an education plan that lists the courses required each quarter to obtain the training goal. 
  • High-touch advising to address barriers to academic/personal success.
  • Employment assistance.
  • Assistance in navigating college resources and services.
  • Verification of school schedule for students receiving the Working Connections Child Care subsidy.
  • Referrals to community partners.

Opportunity Grant – for WA state residents with limited income and limited college credits

Services may include:

  • Tuition assistance up to 45 credits, course-related fees, and required textbooks when pursuing approved professional-technical training.
  • Educational advising and planning, including the development of an education plan.
  • Advising to address barriers to academic/personal success.
  • Employment assistance.
  • Assistance in navigating college resources and services.
  • Referrals to community partners.

Worker Retraining – for individuals who are on unemployment insurance (UI) or have exhausted UI; veterans discharged in the past 48 months; active duty military with separation orders; or displaced homemakers due to divorce or death of a spouse in the past 48 months. 

Services may include:

  • Tuition and course-related fee assistance.
  • Employment Security navigation, gaining permission to attend school while collecting unemployment benefits. 
  • Educational advising and planning.
  • Assistance in locating additional funding for training.
  • Priority enrollment.
  • Liaison to Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), WIOA, and other agencies.

WorkFirst – offers access to training, support resource referrals, tuition, and book assistance to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients attending Bellevue College and referred by DSHS. 

Services may include:

  • Tuition, course-related fees, required textbooks, and support services.  
  • Educational advising and planning, develop an education plan that lists the courses required each quarter to obtain the training goal.
  • High-touch advising to address barriers to academic/personal success.
  • Assistance navigating college resources and services.
  • Employment assistance.
  • Referrals to community partners.

Additional Services:

  • Financial Aid application assistance.
  • Free one-on-one financial coaching.
  • Workforce staff coordinate with DSHS and Employment Security to support students with keeping their benefits while in training.
  • Workforce Education Homework Lab in U211 – open Mon-Fri 8:00 am-5:00 pm
  • Employment services: Unemployment navigation, job search, cover letter, and resume assistance 
  • Connection to Community Partners, such as Hopelink, YWCA, United Way, and Goodwill for additional emergency support.